Been There Done That

10 Apr 2018

Another Easter – but where are the Bilbies?

Anniversary, History, Homophobia, Pop Culture

LISTEN TO PODCAST NOW

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:48 — 39.2MB)

Subscribe or Follow Us: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

Another Easter – but where are the Bilbies?

As we enjoy a quiet contemplative time over Easter and indulge in chocolate goodies, we reflect upon the pagan events which preceded Christian religious celebrations, noting that the Australian pagan festival of sport has now become the focus of public celebrations.

The modern-era Olympic games returned in 1896 after a 1500 year absence, having been banned by religious zealots, (and the fear of naked flesh?), while the not-so-innocent Maypole celebrations were allowed to continue, except in England where Parliament banned them!

Our recent Queer Film Festival featured a coming-out film, Love, Simon. Some critics have called this film one of the more important LGBTI film ever. Although it is now on general release here in Australia, we learn it is banned for Singaporeans under 21 years of age – a very sad state of affairs, especially as public education seems necessary.

Anniversaries around this time include the birthday of Graham Norton – the popular yet irreverent gay TV talk-show host. On a more serious note, it was in early April 1990 that teenage haemophiliac Ryan White died from receiving HIV-tainted blood.

Listen to these stories, opinions and more, presented with some merriment by Chris, Gordon & Phil.

Show #797- First broadcast on 3 April 2018